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Gay area in london

For hundreds of years, Soho has been a haven for gay Londoners, packed of packed pubs and late night drinking dens even before the decriminalisation of homosexuality. In these enlightened times, LGBTQ+ city dwellers have got a plethora of options all across the city. But same-sex attracted old Soho still holds a special place in London's LGBTQ scene and remains most visitors' first port of call, whether for drag nights or mingling. It's centred around Old Compton Street, where you can spend a raucous night at the enduringly popular G-A-Y bar or down unpretentious drinks at pubs like The Admiral Duncan. Here's our pick of the best gay bars and clubs in Soho.

RECOMMENDED: Enterprise further afield with London's best gay bars and gay clubs.

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The best gay bars and clubs in Soho

Occupying a prominent spot on Soho’s Chinatown

The Ultimate LGBTQ Manual to London

  • LGBTQ+ language in London
  • The best homosexual bars in Soho
  • The best gay bars in Vauxhall
  • The top gay bars in the East End
  • LGBTQ+ events and festivals
  • LGBTQ+ museums and culture
  • Where to stay in London
  • LGBTQ+ day trips
LGBTQ+ language in London
 

You’ve probably heard of slang words like butch, camp, and queen. But, little known to most, these terms come from the queer underground earth of pre-1970s London.

Back when the UK was a far less tolerant place, LGBTQ+ people used a secret language called Polari to communicate with one another. The language was a mixture of words from London cockney rhyming slang, Romani, and Italian.

Since homosexual acts were illegal, Polari enabled folx to talk safely in mixed company and identify as lgbtq+. The language was campy and playful: Bona to vada your dolly antique eek, a familiar Polari greeting, meant “Nice to notice your pretty face.” Dish meant “ass,” and bona dish meant “nice ass.”

Polari was widely spoken in the LGTBQ+ community until 1967 when homosexuality was decriminalized in the UK. Today elements of the language are common in drag cultur

What’s the best same-sex attracted neighborhood in London?

For the LGBTQ+ group, London is a great place to call home. The capital of England celebrates diversity and lets everyone be who they are. The city is dotted with neighborhoods that have turn into safe havens for the LGBTQ+ society. But which same-sex attracted neighborhood in London is right for you? This article will help you discover some of the best options, especially if you’re staying for a year or longer in London. We’ll highlight some of the destinations, society, and nightlife in each. 

Soho 

Soho has elongated been one of the best same-sex attracted neighborhoods in London. It’s the epicenter of LGBTQ+ tradition in the capital. The vibrant streets here, especially around Old Compton Avenue, are lined with iconic gay bars and clubs, making it the flawless spot for a night out. However, staying in a Soho flat also means enjoying the area’s rich history and diverse customs. Walking through its streets, you can feel the strength that has made it a hub for creativity and expression.

Highlights of Soho

  • Old Compton Street: Established for its vibrant nightlife and numerous LGBTQ+ bars, Antique Compton Street is the lifeblood of Soho. This bustling street is l

    London Gay Travel Guide 2025

    Upcoming Events in London

    About London and its gay life

    With a population of 8 million, London is the second largest metropolis in Europe. London extends over 44 kilometers along the Thames river and has a moderate climate with its summers not too hot and the winters not too cold.

    Throughout its history London has always been a center of attraction for different cultures and religions whether it be Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Sikhs or Buddhists. At the beginning of the 20th century, mainly Irish, Poles, Italians and Eastern European Jews came to London, while starting around 1950 the majority of immigrants comes from former British colonies such as India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Today, the cultural, ethnic, religious and economic background of London's population is one of the most diverse worldwide.

    London has a flourishing artistic, theater and music scene. Just think of the West End with its numerous musical theaters or the many world-famous London-based bands and musicians, such as the Rolling Stones, The Who, Queen with Freddie Mercury, The Sex Pistols, David Bowie, Culture Club with Boy George, the Pet Shop Boys,